What he said: “Did the Spurs punt away the No. 1 seed in the West by leaving their big three at home on Monday, or by getting crushed on the glass by Andrew Bynum and the Kobe-less Lakers two nights later? They have a road back-to-back-to-back this week, so expect more rest for their stars as they settle into the No. 2 spot.”

What he said: “The Spurs have a revenge match against the Lakers on Tuesday, but it still doesn’t matter. Nothing matters for the Spurs until April 28 or 29, when their playoff quest for one more ring with Tim Duncan begins. So long as the team enters healthy and with a modicum of freshness, they will be a daunting task for any and all West contenders. That’s all that matters.”

What he said: “Pop holds a narrow lead over Thibodeau and Doc Rivers in another ridiculous COY race with what might be his best-ever coaching job. Even if the Spurs don’t snag the West’s No. 1 seed — and even after the Kobe-less Lakers humbled them at home — he still has ‘em at a level no one envisioned. No one.”

What he said: “During this intense, condensed regular-season schedule, there seems to have been more commentary about Tim Duncan resting than about the way he has played. That’s probably because there has been very little decline during his 15th season. His shooting percentage is down slightly but his scoring average is up, as he has taken a few more mid-range jumpers than in previous years. Defensively, the Big Fundamental continues to set the standard for San Antonio, which allows its fewest points per possession when he is on the court. Despite all the chatter, he has missed only five of 60 games — though he is likely to sit out either Tuesday or Wednesday, as San Antonio completes a stretch of three games in three nights — and is logging the same 28 minutes per game he put in last season. Perhaps the biggest difference from a year ago has been the emergence of Tiago Splitter, who gives the Spurs another tall and capable rim protector aside from Duncan.”

What he said: “They remain one game back of the Thunder for the top seed in the West, but while the Thunder need that spot the Spurs couldn’t care less. With a back-to-back-to-back this week (Lakers are middle game Tuesday) expect some Spurs stars to sit.”